Updating your market study and business plan
This step is essential when selling outside Quebec for several reasons:
- Consumer differences: Tastes, consumption habits, and customer expectations vary by region. A market study allows you to understand these differences and adapt your products, packaging, and communication accordingly.
- Competition and business environment: The competitive landscape outside Quebec can be very different, with new players and pricing strategies unique to each market. Reanalyzing competitors and the commercial environment helps you adjust your positioning and identify opportunities.
- Regulations and logistics: Rules around labeling, distribution, and sales can differ by province or country. Your business plan should incorporate these regulatory aspects as well as logistical costs to avoid export roadblocks.
In short, adapting these elements is essential for effectively entering new markets outside Quebec.
Resources:
- https://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/Publications/Etes-vous_pret_a_exporter.pdf
- Exporting – Articles and Tools | BDC
- https://groupexport.ca/en/tips-and-tricks-for-successful-distribution-strategy-outside-of-quebec/
- https://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/Transformation/marches/Pages/Marchesvises.aspx
- http://agriculture.canada.ca/en/international-trade
Selling in Canada
Analyzing trade requirements (RSAC license, HACCP or GFSI)
- RSAC license (Safe Food for Canadians Regulations)
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point): Required for some companies, especially those exporting food products. It involves identifying and managing food safety risks. Note: HACCP certification applies to a product, not a building, though facilities are impacted.
- GFSI certification (Global Food Safety Initiative): Not mandatory for selling products in Canada.
Finding a distributor or broker for the market
Finding a distributor or broker to sell in other Canadian provinces is crucial for several reasons:
Regional market knowledge: Each province has its own preferences, consumption habits, and regulations. A local distributor or broker understands these specifics and helps you adapt your offer and marketing strategy accordingly.
Established distribution networks: Distributors and brokers typically have existing relationships with retailers, wholesalers, and key market players—easing access to sales channels and reducing development time and effort.
Regulatory management: Legal and regulatory requirements vary by province (labeling, food safety, taxation). A distributor or broker is familiar with these and can help you ensure compliance.
In short, partnering with a distributor or broker increases your chances of success by easing entry into new provincial markets while reducing risk and complexity.
Resources:
Should you adapt your packaging, labels, nutrition values, barcode?
Marketing your products in other Canadian provinces requires reviewing packaging and labels to comply with regulatory specifics for each market. The Canadian legal framework can differ from Quebec’s, particularly in terms of language, nutrition labeling, and product coding.
Bilingualism is mandatory: All label information—product descriptions, ingredient lists, usage instructions—must be in both French and English. Nutrition label formats may also differ by province, requiring adjustments to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
The barcode must also meet national standards for seamless inventory management and supply chain integration across Canada.
These adjustments are not only required for compliance but also help improve your visibility and access to expanded distribution networks.
In short, adapting your packaging and labels is essential for entering new Canadian markets and maximizing your chances of success outside Quebec.
More info: Groupe Export
Selling internationally
Analyzing international trade requirements (GFSI certification)
GFSI certification (Global Food Safety Initiative)
Although not mandatory, many large food companies choose to obtain GFSI certification, which is internationally recognized and ensures high food safety standards.
Adapting packaging, labels, nutrition facts, barcodes, and checking export country allergens
When exporting internationally, modifying your packaging and labels to meet local regulations and standards in each target country is crucial.
Each market has its own rules regarding product presentation, label content, and traceability. For example:
- Some jurisdictions require nutrition info in specific formats or use alternative labeling systems (e.g., color codes or detailed charts).
- Product descriptions and instructions must be translated into local languages to meet consumer expectations and legal standards.
- The barcode must be compatible with global supply chain and distribution systems.
You’ll also need to comply with packaging norms, including environmental and health-related standards—often required for market access.
In short, adapting your packaging, labels, and barcodes for export is vital for compliance, competitiveness, and international success.
Resources:
